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Hong Kong university opens doors to Harvard鈥檚 foreign students

HKUST offers unconditional acceptance to international students at Harvard in wake of US government crackdown

Published on
May 23, 2025
Last updated
June 9, 2025
20 June 2019 the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
Source: iStock/seaonweb

A leading Hong Kong university has issued an open invitation to students at Harvard University to transfer there after the Trump administration banned the US institution from enrolling international students.听

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has invited international undergraduate and postgraduate students currently enrolled at Harvard University, as well as those holding confirmed offers for Harvard degree programmes, to continue their studies in Hong Kong.听

鈥淭his initiative comes in response to evolving global academic landscapes and reinforces HKUST鈥檚 commitment to fostering a diverse, world-class learning environment,鈥 the university said in a statement.听

It follows a decision by the US government to revoke Harvard鈥檚 ability to host international students, meaning current international students will be required to transfer to alternative institutions in order to maintain their visa status.

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US secretary of homeland security Kristi Noem said the government was 鈥渉olding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus鈥.听

Harvard has called the action by the US administration 鈥渦nlawful鈥 and said it is committed to maintaining the university鈥檚 ability to host students and scholars.听

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In light of the news, HKUST said it will provide unconditional offers, streamlined admission procedures and academic support to 鈥渇acilitate a seamless transition for interested students鈥.

鈥淎 dedicated team has been established to assist students with admissions, credit transfers, housing, and visa logistics,鈥 the university said.听

鈥淒iversity fuels creativity and progress,鈥 said Yike Guo, provost at HKUST. 鈥淲e are prepared to welcome Harvard students into our community, offering them the resources and vibrant environment needed to thrive in their fields.鈥

Interested individuals are advised to .听

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Higher education leaders across Asia have previously spoken about the opportunities president Donald Trump鈥檚 crackdown on聽universities bring to the continent.

In April, the president of Singapore鈥檚 Nanyang Technological University said now is a 鈥済olden opportunity鈥 for Asian universities to attract top US talent.

Some Hong Kong universities have also seen jumps in application numbers from mainland Chinese students, who are thought to be studying closer to home instead of going to the US, given the current political climate.

Similarly, US branch campuses in China have seen a surge in applications from US-based students in recent months.听

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helen.packer@timeshighereducation.com

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